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Future Commerce
Future Commerce is the culture magazine for Commerce. Hosts Phillip Jackson and Brian Lange help brand leaders in retail, DTC, and eCom see around the next corner by exploring the intersection of Culture and Commerce.
Trusted by the world's most recognizable brands to deliver the most insightful, entertaining, and informative weekly podcasts, Future Commerce is the leading new media brand for eCommerce merchants and retail operators.
Each week, we explore the cultural implications of what it means to sell or buy products and how commerce and media impact the culture and the world around us, through unique insights and engaging interviews with a dash of futurism.
Weekly essays, full transcripts, and quarterly market research reports are available at https://www.futurecommerce.com/plus
[STEP BY STEP] Stop Chasing Vanity Metrics
Jack Kavanagh of Shopanova joins us to share his unique perspective on cutting through the noise of marketing fads and focusing on strategies that truly drive growth. From balancing trends with long term strategies to harnessing the power of tools like Triple Whale’s Sonar for precise ad targeting, we dive deep into the realities of scaling eCommerce businesses in 2024. Discover how agility, better data segmentation, and a holistic approach to metrics can revolutionize your business.Don’t Miss the Forest for the TreesKey takeaways:Not all data points deserve attention—focus on those tied to measurable outcomes, like revenue and customer growth, rather than vanity metrics.Tools like Sonar by Triple Whale empower businesses to manage data and ad performance efficiently without expensive expertise.[05:50] "Sometimes you miss the forest for the trees. Focus on connecting people with a product that improves their lives." – Jack[13:30] "Brand owners have been burnt by marketing gurus just like Facebook moms have been burnt by fad supplements." – Jack"[00:24:14] People go after their biceps hard, but by the time they've got them, it's over. It's all about calves now. What really matters is a healthy body." – Brian[34:30] "The allure of tools like Sonar is they solve complex problems hands-free. That’s where advertising is now." – JackAssociated Links:Learn more about Sonar, Triple Whale’s Meta integrationCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
37:3921/11/2024
[STEP BY STEP] Going Global With Data-Backed Confidence
We sit down with Brandon Kuipers, Co-founder and CMO of Zox, to discuss how a family arts-and-crafts project evolved into a globally recognized e-commerce brand. Hear how Zox grew from a family project to an international success by leveraging data-driven marketing, and how emerging tools like Triple Whale's Sonar have unlocked global markets. From Kitchen Table to Global BrandKey takeaways:Leveraging the right data tools, like Sonar, significantly improved Zox's data visibility, enabling them to optimize ad performance in international markets.Localized strategies, like creating region-specific products such as language-adapted designs, can help deepen market engagement.[00:06:32] “Building a business is about innovating, even when you feel like you have it figured out.” — Brandon[00:17:54] Once Sonar was set up, our data accuracy went from tracking almost none of our conversions to tracking just about every conversion." — Brandon[00:20:30] “Sonar has been the missing link, reopening markets we thought had closed down.” — Brandon[00:25:18] “Even if an ad flops in the U.S., it can still perform well in other regions. Nothing is wasted.” — Brandon[00:28:30] “This level of visibility is enabling full-on product pivots to better address new markets.” — Brian Associated Links:Learn more about Sonar, Triple Whale’s Meta Integration.Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
33:1620/11/2024
[STEP BY STEP] The Secret to Smarter Meta Ad Spend: Guess Less With A Winning Mega Data Platform
You want an optimized performance marketing stack, we have the expert insight. In season 14 of Step-By-Step, we’ve partnered with Triple Whale and Meta to help you maximize RoAS with higher-quality data.In this episode, you’ll learn why first-party data is critical in a privacy-conscious eCommerce ecosystem, how domain-specific AI can revolutionize eCommerce analytics, and what the shift from self-hosted IT organizations to cloud-based solutions means for your business.Garbage In, Garbage OutKey takeaways:Triple Whale evolved from summary pages to cutting-edge tools like their Sonar integration with Meta Conversions API.Your data quality is key. Understanding where your marketing dollars are most effectively spent will unlock better RoAS.Feeding Meta better data through server-side connections transforms ad spend into ad gains.AI’s Promise and Paradox: Can we teach machines context? We debate whether AI can replicate the intuitive decision-making of a savvy e-commerce operator.Simplifying complex workflows might mean less visibility, but greater efficiency and creative freedom.[00:09:17] "Garbage in, garbage out. Clean data is the alpha and omega of decision-making." – Brian[00:19:39] "The internet used to be the Wild West—now it’s a privacy-conscious frontier." – Kellet[00:31:42] "If AI were a junior resource, it’s the one you’d micromanage." – PhillipAssociated Links:Learn more about Sonar, Triple Whale’s Meta IntegrationCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
45:5219/11/2024
Outsmart the Black Friday Email Frenzy
“Email’s stability in a changing digital world makes it one of the few reliable channels left for brands, even after ten years.” Seasoned eCommerce and email marketing expert Greg Zakowicz joins Brian and Phillip to unpack the holiday inbox squeeze. The Tried and True, Yet Hackable, Email CampaignKey takeaways:[00:01:41] “Email’s stability in a changing digital world makes it one of the few reliable channels left for brands, even after ten years.” – Greg[00:05:46] “Honing in on your unique value, especially if you’re a small brand competing with giants, is more critical than ever.” – Greg [00:08:23] “Strategic timing, like sending a campaign around a product’s peak usage time, can make a huge difference in engagement.” – Phillip[00:25:23] “People want creative, engaging content even if it’s transactional; small touches can make emails stand out in crowded inboxes.” – Greg [00:30:08] “Just because everyone’s doing 25% off doesn’t mean it’s the only thing that works; there’s room for creativity in how you present offers.” – Greg Associated Links:Learn more about OmnisendCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
41:3615/11/2024
Communicating Context Across Cultures
Phoebe Yu loves jumping down rabbit holes with the audience of her curiosity-driven channel on YouTube that focuses on research, human psychology, and culture, specifically within the tech sector. But if something interesting finds its way into the comment section, she’ll deep dive into that too. Listen now to Phoebe Yu’s conversation with Phillip and Brian!Looking Back to Look ForwardKey Takeaways:[00:10:39] “Research is always iterating just like design. So I really want to keep that active research going, including participation from the audience.” - Phoebe[00:13:06] “Japan has been living in the year 2000 since 1980.” - Phoebe[00:29:09] “In a low context culture, people tend to communicate more directly, more explicitly, and in a high context culture, people would communicate in a more nuanced, more implicit kind of way.” - Phoebe[00:32:24] “It is always good to reduce user friction no matter what. We have to look at things contextually and see how that friction serves how that user feels about a certain service, a certain platform.” - Phoebe[00:42:47] “There is an inherent sense of curiosity when it comes to how different cultures operate because we, us, personally, we grew up in a specific culture, and it's easy to think that that is just how things are done across the board. But then when you realize there are different people doing things in a different way, that it might shatter your existing notions about certain things, and that raises a lot of questions of how things can be done.” - PhoebeAssociated Links:Subscribe on YouTube to Phoebe YuCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
46:3301/11/2024
*TEASER* Oh, Sorry, TWO MICHELIN STARS
Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusSave 20% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with Alani™ from BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!
01:5431/10/2024
The Ghosts of Pike Place Market
Spooky Commerce finishes with an epic finale as we explore the mysterious history of Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market. Phillip, Brian, and Sarah share tales of ghost sightings, haunted (coffee) grounds, and the rich lore behind one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the U.S. PLUS: Phillip and Brian debrief a tragedy involving AI-to-human relationships and discuss the challenges parents face as children gain unrestricted access to AI tools. The Roast With the GhostTW: This week’s episode discusses sensitive subject matter, including suicide.Key Takeaways:AI taking on a life of its own: Children have unrestricted access to increasingly lifelike AI tools. Pike Place Market is home to more than just vendors: It's rumored to house spirits from Seattle’s early days.Kells yeah: Kells Irish Pub sits on a former mortuary and a former indigenous burial site – and is one of Seattle’s most haunted locations. [00:09:30] “The thing is, the difference between what you were doing and what an AI is doing is you are interacting with real people. Message boards were human-to-human communication. It was just instantaneous. This is like, getting sucked into a video game that has no end.” – Brian[00:18:00] "This thing (AI) has escaped containment." – Phillip[00:25:22] “Brian’s developed a palate that's sophisticated enough to taste the ghost in Pike Place roast.” – Phillip[00:03:35] "The building that Kells Pub exists in is the Butterworth and Sons building, which was not only a former mortuary, but it was also built on top of tribal burial grounds.” – Sarah[00:40:00] “There's just there's so many elements here that would actually enable this sort of storytelling around the place.” – BrianAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce
45:1825/10/2024
The Haunting at Toys ‘R Us Sunnyvale
This week we unpack multisensory commerce, the economical ebb and flow of re-commerce, and reflect on Phillip’s keynote at the Motion Creative Strategy Summit. PLUS: Spooky Commerce is back. Phillip, Brian, and Sarah journey to a haunted 1980’s Bay Area Toys R Us.The Duality of RecommerceKey takeaways:Tactile interactions produce profound experiences – something digital media cannot replicate. Phillip’s keynote presentation at the Motion Creative Strategy Summit highlighted the polymathic inspiration of tactile creativity.[00:09:30] “Things that you consider to be highly immersive aren't as immersive as you think they are. The sphere is very immersive, but it is not as tactile as Meow Wolf's Omega mart.” – Phillip[00:21:15 ] “I step into that Waymo and I get, you know, a technology rush. It feels like, finally. Oh, finally. It's here. All the things that we've all dreamed of. And I think it's because the imagination has already moved on.” – Brian[00:33:30 ] "Sylvia Brown herself came in, so this brought a lot of coverage to the story…they did this whole televised seance moment, and she discovered that the ghost's name is Johnny Johnson." – Sarah[00:34:15] "What a weird fate for him. You know? First of all, tragic death. Second of all, like, a toy store gets built over, like, this beautiful ranch where he was supposed to live this life, and then he gets to haunt toys." – BrianAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
44:4518/10/2024
You Can Buy Haunted Dolls on eBay
From dead-and-undead-again crypto cycles to eBay’s paranormal side, we explore the range of the paranormal in this week’s installment of Spooky Commerce. Listen now!Crypt-O-Currency, Panic Buying and Paranormal DucksKey takeaways:eCommerce giants like Pinduoduo (Temu’s parent company) are contributing to deflation in China by flooding the market with cheap goods.Disaster alerts compete with the attention economy. In our daily flurry of push notifications, we might also be alerted of an impending natural disaster.Despite repeated crashes, the cryptocurrency market continues to revive itself.{00:03:55} "The visual language of a hurricane is lines at retail or empty shelves having been bought out. It’s part of the cultural act of a disaster... commerce is so disrupted in a moment of disaster." – Phillip{00:19:10} "I don't know which is worse, this horrific porcelain doll I'm looking at called the 'Haunted Effanbee Doll' from the 1930s, or the fact that it's listed at $12,000." – Phillip{00:27:20} “I am not clicking that link. Oh, it’s a duck? Okay, link me that one.” – Brian{00:31:00} “There's a lot of stuff that's sold on the Internet that's actually really hard to validate whether it can do what it says that it does. And I bet there are reviews of this duck that make it sound like people had paranormal experiences with it… Individual experiences are what we use to validate whether something is trustworthy to purchase.” – Brian{00:33:00} "Do the delivery drivers know they’re transporting haunted relics?" – SarahAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
34:1811/10/2024
The Battle for Originality
Is the world of copyright infringement getting weirder? We catch up on the latest (and tastiest) brand battles. PLUS: October-exclusive segment, Spooky Commerce, where we take a look at an interesting urban legend that will make you say, “Holy matrimony!” Seattle Suits and LawsuitsMore from Shoptoberfest: Brian, Mike Wattier and Jeremy Noonan dive deeper into our latest report, “The Honest Truth.”Key takeaways:The lines separating brands’ identities are blurrier and blurrier as markets become more trend-saturated. Enter: Muddy Bites suing The Best Part, and Smuckers suing Chubby.Our latest report found that 77% of retailers trust their agency, but only 1 in 5 brands or retailers actually end up using their agency account manager to help them make a decision about what software they pick. {00:14:39} “Identity is actually going to be a necessity, not just for keeping your identity unique, but also to keep yourself from being copied, or to also make sure that you're not copying anybody else…The only way to protect yourself is to be extremely different.” - Brian{00:15:40} “It could help to be more creative. I do think that if copyright lawsuits were this prevalent during the early age of the Internet, we wouldn't have the Internet we have today.” - Phillip{00: 34:00} “We take the bull by the horns on that one. We want to drive that process because oftentimes, the people that are developing these products, they're not in the trenches doing the implementation, so they're not always fully aligned.” - Jeremy Noonan{00:39:52} “Speed equals money, how fast do you want to go? Leadership doesn't understand the intricacies of the actual work itself. They're not getting that unvarnished truth about how to fill the gaps properly.” - Mike WattierAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
01:07:3304/10/2024
The Future of Buying Software?
If buying software were a cage match, the RFP would be a royal rumble. Dive into the weird world of software buying and the flawed nature of RFPs with Philipp Krueger and Jason Nyhus, as we explore insights from the latest Future Commerce report, "The Honest Truth."Lies, Damned Lies, and RFPsKey takeaways:“The Honest Truth” report reveals that 81% of merchants expect software implementation to differ from their original RFP expectations.Companies value both speed to market and customization, but these priorities are often at odds. Integrating AI into software selection processes can free up time to develop more tailored solutions.{00:26:56} “[The RFP process] is flawed to the bone. You're reduced to feature lists. And you just tick off boxes; ‘Can we do that? Can we do that?’ ” - Philipp Krueger{00:29:17} “I think AI is going to completely revolutionize the way that we capture requirements, the way that we qualify what's being said in an RFP, and how we do agency and software selection.” - Phillip Jackson{00: 30:19} “RFP processes, I think they started in the late 19th century if I remember correctly. So today, we're still running this antiquated process of trying to figure out what vendors can we work with, which is 100 years old…maybe this is the moment that AI changes it.” - Jason Nhuys{00:52:10} “I don’t think you should rely on a classic RFP process because all vendors will give you their, quote, unquote, ‘honest truth.’” - Jason NhuysAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
53:5327/09/2024
AI Agents Are Here. “Brands” Might Be In Danger.
Phillip and Brian debrief this year’s All-In Summit, which touched on coming societal changes due to AI. From the impact of automation to the power of data, they talk through these technological advancements that are reshaping the way we shop, work, and interact.PLUS: An exciting sneak peek of the upcoming VISIONS Summit in LA!Stealthily Building an InstitutionKey takeaways:VISIONS Summit LA is October 10, and your first look at our speaker lineup is finally here.This year’s All-In Summit explored AI’s expanding role in commerce – and our day-to-day lives.{00:22:21} - “Once the hype cycle leaves a conversation, that's when the quiet building begins.” - Phillip{00:36:36} - “Digital security is probably the biggest concern, and all of the benefits of a lot of the tech that's being released right now could just be completely washed out until there's a way through with security.” - Brian{00:45:57} - “Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO, says their AI models are going to be at PhD level reasoning eventually…meaning the model can now pretend to be a human. And my response to that was, will my AI agents also incorrectly tag deals, fake follow ups, forget to set their out of office, argue over deal attribution, and insist that a deal is "close," and "We will definitely close by end of quarter," only to kick it out to fiscal '25 on the last day of Q3? …Because that's how they've been trained, and that's the data they've been trained on.” - Phillip{01:18:16} - “[When] we're building abstraction…the intelligence layer of the world that we're building currently, an agent for Phillip would understand all of that stuff and imbue all of my interactions with every system as being purpose-built for me. I bring my personhood to it. It's not being personalized to me. It's the other way around.” - Phillip{01:22:53} - “The whole craze around NFTs was a thirst for a connection to a verified world where digital and physical are tied together through something that is easily authenticatable. That's going to extend to all aspects of our lives, including our bodies.” - BrianAssociated Links:Join us at VISIONS LA on October 10!Video of Marc Benioff interview at All-InCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
01:26:4320/09/2024
The Future Consumer is Omnimodal
Recorded live from BigSummit, Phillip and Brian join John Affourtit (Senior Director of Strategic Sales at Attentive) and Melissa Dixon (Senior Director of Content Marketing at BigCommerce) to share expert insights on the future of consumer behavior. Dig into the newest Future Commerce & BigCommerce report: New Modes, Redefining Personalization In the Age of AI and learn how brands can stay ahead of ecommerce’s rapidly evolving landscape – from the rise of “omnimodal” shopping to AI’s growing role in personalization. Listen now!The New Consumer JourneyKey takeaways:{00:09:30} "Consumers are shifting from an omnichannel shopping journey to an omnimodal shopping journey." – Phillip Jackson{00:17:30} “One of the things that we found that was super interesting is that the scroll set, which is the youngest generation, is that their mode of shopping is highly influenced by how they feel. And this is a challenge because right now, context is collapsing.” – Brian Lange{00:19:15} "If a brand’s website is hard to use, they think less of the brand itself." – Brian Lange{00:28:45} "What I'm most excited about is kind of realizing some of the promises of personalization that we've heard about for so long, specific to things like segmentation and identity and all of the promise of 1-1 communications. AI actually enables us to do that, which is pretty spectacular.” – John AffourtitAssociated Links:Read our latest report, New Modes: Redefining Personalization in the Age of AI.Learn more about our partners BigCommerce at bigcommerce.com. Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
34:0310/09/2024
Sur La Table’s Head of Brand Marketing on AI, Strong Leadership, and Secondhand Influence
“Get it in their hands” is Kristin Flor Perret’s (Sur La Table, Saucy) secret sauce to blending cutting-edge tech with genuine human connection. Learn how Sur La Table is futureproofing their business and blending education and connection with in-store and digital commerce on Amazon and beyond. Listen now!Dishing on Commerce and ConnectionKey takeaways:As automation increases, businesses will need to focus on offering unique, human-centric experiences that machines can’t replicateLeaders need to manage immediate operational tasks while also allocating time for strategic long-term planning to ensure future successLeaders today need to be adaptable and ready to handle change, balancing immediate business needs with long-term strategic thinking.{00:02:46} "To be a really good marketer, you have to want to understand people and why we do what we do." – Kristin Perret {00:06:17} "AI can help shortcut research, but it’s still the responsibility of humans to understand the why behind the data." – Kristin Perret {00:07:04} "We cannot replace humans with technology, and we cannot replace technology with humans." – Kristin PerretAssociated Links:Learn more about Kristin Perret, Saucy, and Sur La TableCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
53:1706/09/2024
What's In Our Future: The Fall Lineup
What an incredible eight years it has been here at Future Commerce, but wait until you see what’s coming next. There is a lot ahead that you won’t want to miss. In this episode Phillip gives you a little taste of what is to come and how you can make sure you stay in the know (because you’re really going to want to stay in the know). Buckle UpKey takeaways:[00:03:52]: "We have a quiz on archetypesjournal.com where you could find out what your archetype is. But it's about shaping or adopting a specific voice in your role within an ecosystem. Your perception and someone else's perception of you could be markedly different. And that's really powerful stuff when you think about it because we are all part of a story.” - Phillip[00:06:08}: This Fall, we're bringing in a new set of editorial voices and some new programming to Future Commerce, including Maya Knights, Mike Millazo, and Sammy Cole. You won’t want to miss their incredible insights![00:10:30]: “We have three new reports coming up, and the first up is called New Modes, Redefining Personalization, the Age of AI. Yes. Another AI report. But this one has a totally different perspective, one you should be paying attention to because we did this deep consumer research, and the insights are really fascinating.” - Phillip[00:13:54]: On September 17th, we're dropping a report on how businesses choose software. And we're specifically asking the question, is the RFP dead? You're gonna have to read it to find out.[00:16:06]: “We will be at the Edge Summit at the beginning of October. So if you are a leader in adopting AI or putting AI to work in your business, if you're an operator that's trying to make use of tools that have built-in AI functionalities, this could be a really great opportunity for you.” - Phillip[00:18:27]: October 10th, Los Angeles for VISIONS Summit LA. Tickets are already on sale. This is the crown jewel of our Fall calendar, October 10th, VISIONS Summit LA, and you can get an early bird ticket right now if you're listening to this over the Labor Day weekend. Associated Links:Learn more about Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
22:5330/08/2024
Don’t Say Metaverse
feat. Justin Breton, Head of Brand Marketing and Innovation at WalmartHow does an early adopter become a leader and consistently one of the most adaptive brands in the market? Listen now as Justin Breton shares the story of innovation Walmart is telling and how they are creating new worlds within the commerce landscape. The New Familiar of the FutureKey takeaways:[00:12:26]: "We are a part of our customers' lives in the real world. How do we become a part of their lives in the virtual and digital ecosystem? We rode the wave of the metaverse, but quickly tested, learned, and optimized into our own strategy, which is effectively what you see in market today.” - Justin[00:15:32}: “I would imagine that there's some fatigue around influencer-promoted products. However, there is so much newness and opportunity around influencer-promoted experiences. And so when they can create an experience that feels like an extension to their social persona and is immersive and is also commerce-enabled and features all of the products that they like and is displayed to the fan or the follower in an unexpected way, that is new, and that is different.” - Justin[00:23:04]: “Leveraging this new technology and these emerging platforms to engage with that next generation and position us as a retailer that doesn't just have everything but has your thing is setting us up for the success in the future.” - Justin[00:35:42]: “That's what the opportunity here is. Through these more immersive digital experiences you give people something to engage with and then talk about as well.” - Brian[00:47:25]: “We want to add value. So wherever we're showing up, it's really important that we're adding value, and it has to add value for that platform and that community.” - JustinAssociated Links:Learn more about Justin Breton and Walmart RealmCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
51:4023/08/2024
*TEASER* "Sounds Fishy"
Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusSave 20% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with Alani™ from BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!
03:1116/08/2024
The Sweat Lookbook
In this episode we speak with special guest Lee Glandorf, author of The Sweat Lookbook substack about the intersection of sports, fashion, and culture. Lee, a long-time friend of the podcast and former Director of Marketing at Tracksmith, shares her unique insights on how running culture, women's sports, and performance fashion are evolving. Listen now!
51:5911/08/2024
Game Face: Female Athletes Are Redefining Commerce
feat. Alexa Lombardo and Candace StewartAlexa Lombardo and Candace Stewart co-host this week breaking down the intersection of female athletes, beauty, and commerce. Learn how female athletes are revolutionizing both the sports and beauty industries through authentic storytelling and strategic brand partnerships. Listen now!Tunnel Fits: The Court is the new CatwalkKey takeaways:Female athletes are leading the charge in authentic storytelling, making them ideal partners for beauty brands.Collaborations between beauty brands and female athletes are reshaping traditional beauty standards and enhancing product credibility.Investment in emerging sports like rugby can yield significant returns as these sports grow in popularity.Thoughtful and authentic brand partnerships, like SKIMS by Kim Kardashian, can effectively support and promote female athletes.Brands can benefit from aligning with athletes' lifestyles, creating authentic and relatable connections with their audience.[00:10:11]: "Female athletes are just really better storytellers, versus their male counterparts." - Alexa Lombardo[00:39:54]: "SKIMS by Kim Kardashian... She's done it right. She's included the athletes. The athletes are centered in that." - Candace Stewart[00:42:29]: "Sports are part of a lifestyle, and brands thinking about how they can fit into the lives of these athletes can create really natural and impactful partnerships." - Alexa LombardoAssociated Links:Learn more about Alexa Lombardo and Candace StewartRead Game Face: How Beauty Brands Are Scoring Big with Women's SportsCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
47:2509/08/2024
Rewind: The Secrets Behind the Magic Quadrant
Feat. Aaron SheehanIn this rewind episode, we discuss a key topic: the analyst ecosystem and the influence of reports like Gartner's Magic Quadrant on the eCommerce industry. We explore how these reports are created, who they benefit, and their role in shaping market perceptions. Aaron sheds light on the complexities behind the rankings, the criteria used, and the nuances often overlooked in the widely shared 2x2 graphics. Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or new to the world of eCommerce, tune into this conversation of how market analysis shapes strategic decisions and what it means for the future of commerce!"Insights from the eCommerce Battlefield"Key takeaways:Analyst reports like Gartner's Magic Quadrant use specific methodologies to evaluate platforms, focusing on business viability and innovation, not just the technology stack.Engaging with analysts can be crucial for eCommerce platforms, but it’s not mandatory. Those who opt out may still be evaluated based on publicly available data, which could impact their positioning.Platforms can fall off these reports not only by going out of business but also by de-emphasizing certain product lines or failing to grow in line with market expectations.[00:10:06] "It's not pay-to-play. The analysts have a methodology around evaluating solutions... It’s about the business, not just the technology." - Aaron Sheehan[00:29:52] "Why wouldn’t you just build the things that are required to perform well on the platform... What are the forces that keep you from performing really well?" - Phillip[01:06:52] "It's one thing to have a well-built eCommerce platform. It's another thing to be successful with it, which is like getting people to that platform to buy." - Phillip[01:10:15] "The Magic Quadrant isn't just a chart—it's a signal to the market about who’s driving innovation and who's falling behind." - Aaron SheehanAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
01:16:4202/08/2024
Rewind: Shifting Trends and Prevailing Patterns
In this episode of Future Commerce Rewind, our summer series where we compare today's news against episodes from the archives, we are revisiting Episode 341 with friend of the pod and cultural theorist, Matt Klein, to discuss the findings from his annual META Trends Report. Today, we're not just talking about trends and data. We're talking about a deep human need that's driving patterns and how businesses can begin to sense those patterns and tap into and address the core desires and anxiety of people, and that's what it's all about.“Going Airplane Mode”Key takeaways:- A key takeaway from analyzing over one hundred trend reports spanning several years: many of the reported trends remain unchanged year after year after year.- Language used to describe disruptive changes often relies on established nomenclature instead of introducing new terminology.- There is an opportunity to hack trend reports by strategically seeding ideas and language that can shape future trends.- The ranking of meta-trends in reports can differ between what is frequently mentioned and what exists in cultural data, creating a discrepancy and an opportunity for manipulation.- Understanding the deeper human needs beneath trend manifestations is key for organizations to find success in addressing cultural shifts.{00:04:50} - “It's quite cliche, but it's a call to action for a little bit of bravery of not what's already being reported and said and what's comfortable, but what do we want to see, what does not yet exist, and how do we put our neck out there and really speak about the things that are uncomfortable, fringy, edgy, and strange because after all that is where change emanates from.” - Matt{00:12:57} - “The problem is the scant few people that are actually doing this type of work and research and will put the quantifiable and qualitative mind to analyzing trends is a small group of people that are all highly self-referential because they're all analyzing the same cohort of data because they're all kind of tapped into the same algorithm.” - Phillip{00:19:47} - “The meta trends act as trailheads for understanding all else within culture. When you acknowledge what's trying to be desired here… you understand beneath the surface what people actually need, that's where organizations find success.” - Matt{00:26:59} - “There's certainly importance and maybe I'm saying that because there's a livelihood or a career anchored or tethered to it, but I would say there are some implications and serious business consequences that come from this, but it is also fun. It is entertaining to be talking about these things and to be dissecting and analyzing.” - Matt{00:30:39} - “It's all from fear. No one wants to be disrupted. No one wants to be the disruptor either. That goes back to this idea of bravery, being the first to say something or sticking their neck out or reporting on the thing that no one else has reported. So you operate from a sense of, "Well, we wanna be the first to be second."’ - Matt{00:39:42} - “Every business is unique, everyone has their different challenges, everyone has their different audiences, and those audiences or those products interpret each of the meta trends uniquely. So what this really is is the starting point, not the answer key.” - MattAssociated Links:Learn more about Matt KleinRead the 2024 Meta Trends ReportCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
48:5926/07/2024
Rewind: Shopping with Ghosts
Parasocial Relationships Will Change Retail ForeverWelcome to Future Commerce Rewind, our summer series where we compare today's news against episodes from the archives. Today, we revisit our historic 300th episode from 2023, where we explored the future of commerce shopping experiences through parasocial relationships. We also cover how the chat interface, a UI prediction we made just a year ago, is influencing commerce today. Listen now!Unlocking TomorrowKey takeaways:[00:02:07] Phillip: "In London, print reading is still a cultural staple and independent eyeglass retailers are thriving. It's a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern retail innovation."[00:05:19] Phillip: "Imagine shopping with JFK Jr. as your style advisor – that's the future we're heading towards with parasocial relationships and AI."[00:24:51] Brian: "Livestream shopping in the West is a tough sell because our attention spans can't handle the mundane. But if you can make it entertaining, you've got a shot."[00:47:04] Phillip: "We're on the cusp of a new shopping experience where your favorite celebrity or even a virtual influencer can guide your purchases, creating a deeper, ongoing relationship."London maintains a strong print culture while simultaneously seeing a boom in independent eyeglass retailers, highlighting a unique intersection of old and new retail practices.AI-powered interactions with celebrity personas, like JFK Jr., are emerging as a new trend in shopping, blending entertainment with personalized recommendations.AI and parasocial relationships are creating more personalized shopping experiences, fostering deeper consumer connections with brands and influencers.Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
01:02:5719/07/2024
Technological Progress Through Multiplayer Behavior
We’re back exploring the intersection of technology, payments, and consumer behavior with guests Michaela Weber from BigCommerce and Sanjeev Gill from Stripe Live from VISIONS Summit: NYC. The conversation covers how modern ecommerce platforms and payment solutions are transforming the retail landscape. Join us to discuss the shift from traditional retail hours to 24/7 online shopping, the importance of seamless checkout experiences, and the role of personalization in driving consumer engagement. Listen now!Tech-Driven Shopping: Fast, Global, and PersonalizedKey takeaways:[03:26] Mikaela Weber: "Shopping is everywhere. Shopping is 24/7."[07:10] Michaela Weber: "There's a monoculture in the sense that if we are from similar demographic groups, we probably see similar pushed ads."Consumers now shop anytime, anywhere, increasing the pressure on brands to be present across multiple channels.While algorithms create personalized experiences, there is still a collective aspect driven by shared demographics and interests.Technologies like AB testing in checkout experiences enable brands to optimize payment methods and enhance the user experience.Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
20:5717/07/2024
Rewind: AI, Classism, and the Digital Divide - Revisiting Episode 51
These show notes were written at a time before LLMs were available to the public, if that's any indication of In this episode from 2017, we covered:WILL WALMART BE COOL AGAIN?Lord and Taylor started selling on walmart.com with their own special homepage.Also, remember how Walmart acquired Bonobos and Modcloth? The world has changed, people.THE DIGITAL DIVIDE:Walmart's upmarket aspirations clashed with the working-class market. Perhaps this is still true?Brian's unfailing optimism about the future of technology and the working class, with technology enabling efficiency and providing better products and better services.Robby Berman posits that AI will serve and make life better for humans, but only the top 1% of humans.A Princeton study on bias in bots explores how AI has the problematic ability to target people for committing potential crimes based off the bias and prejudice of the bot creators.AI ENABLING JOB ELIMINATION?Chris Gardner from Forrester predicts that automation will eliminate 9% of jobs in 2018."These jobs are not low-end jobs, they're white-collar jobs being replaced."Brian is again optimistic: a whole new host of jobs will be created for creating and servicing AI.Reuters reported that a son used data to recreate his dad as a chatbot.
01:02:0914/07/2024
Monoculture in the Modern Age: How a Fragmented Media Landscape Co-Creates Moments that Matter
In this episode, we explore the dynamic interplay between traditional and new media with insights from retail analyst Heetha Herzog and culture writer Kate Lindsay live from VISIONS Summit: NYC. Moderated by Phillip, this conversation covers how media consumption shapes our reality, the influence of monocultural events, and the generational shifts in media platforms. We examine the evolving roles of traditional and new media, the impact of AI on marketing, and the rising significance of authenticity and community in consumer behavior. Listen now!“Media Matters”Key takeaways:[03:03] Kate Lindsay: "The barometer for when something has hit monoculture is when Twitter is just unusable if it's something you don't want to talk about."[05:00] Heetha Herzog: "There's a whole part of the population that still watches nightly news. They might be older, but they still consume that and watch it."[11:08] Phillip: "You also don't need someone's permission to post a TikTok, but there's still some prestige around the permission-gate kept media."[19:55] Kate Lindsay: "With tools like TikTok and Substack and Twitter, where you're seeing everyone talking at once, trends are really more what these gatekeepers pick up on and decide to elevate."Events like the Trump trial and Taylor Swift's album release dominate media, creating unavoidable online conversations.Younger generations gravitate towards platforms like TikTok, while older generations remain loyal to traditional media, indicating a shift in how content is consumed and trusted.The desire for luxury items and the rise of "dupe culture" reflect deeper psychological needs for identity and community, influencing consumer behavior.The prestige of traditional media is challenged by the authenticity of new media influencers, reshaping how trust is built and maintained in the digital age.Associated Links:Links & Resources:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
37:3210/07/2024
How Liquid Death is Murdering Marketing
Live from the Retail Innovation Conference and Expo, feat. Dan Murphy, SVP of Marketing at Liquid DeathIn this episode, Phillip has a conversation with Dan Murphy, SVP of Marketing at Liquid Death, at the Retail Innovation Conference and Expo back in June about how the Liquid Death team does more with less by infusing comedy and incredible creative and employing nontraditional marketers and nontraditional marketing techniques to get earned media in their business. Dan shares how this allows them to have massive impact with very little spend. He says any brand can do this. Listen now and let us know if you think he’s right…More Science in the Art and Science MixKey takeaways:{00:04:46} - “if you're idling. You're inefficient. You're in the red line, you're burning the engine up, but actually that proper torque curve is somewhere a lot closer to red line than you think. And I think most organizations are kind of chugging along close to idle. So there's a bit of the, dare I say, chaos or intensity is probably the better word, that really helps us. It helps us go that extra 10% from the 90% idea to the thing that, like, "Oh, yeah. They're going to write about this.’" - Dan Murphy{00:13:16} - “Our litmus test for it to go out, again, our lane is comedy, did it make us laugh? If it makes us laugh, if it holds true to our brand values, our weird comedy, SNL world, we push it out…” - Dan Murphy{00:19:46} - “I've had a marketing career with a lot of major brands, and it's, "We'll just hire so and so celebrity," who is probably super saturated that does 100 deals. Pay a ton of money, expensive director, do all this stuff, it goes out, and the reality is it probably didn't move the needle with those millions of dollars. Meanwhile, 30 grand divided by a million equals a lot of different small bets.” - Dan Murphy{00:30:00} - “We view the people that are part of this brand and their time as precious. We don't waste it for a minute. Every email we send should be funny, laugh-out-loud funny. - Dan MurphyAssociated Links:Learn more about Dan Murphy and Liquid DeathCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
32:5307/07/2024
Visions Live: Let's Get Personal: Creating Connection in the Age of AI
Recorded live at VISIONS Summit: NYC 2024, join Alicia Esposito for her sitdown with Seb Reetz, Bloomreach’s Solutions Consulting Lead of the Americas. They dive into the fascinating intersection of AI and art, exploring how AI is transforming both the creation and consumption of art discussing the ethical considerations, creative opportunities, and practical applications of AI in the artistic process. Seb shares insights from his current projects, including a thought-provoking video game that leverages AI for ideation and voice generation.AI: The Artist’s New MuseKey takeaways:AI tools aid in ideation and proof of concept, helping artists and writers like Seb generate and refine ideas.AI has the potential to revolutionize customer experience through personalized, cross-channel interactions.[00:30] Seb: "I sell AI on a day-to-day basis. I also am a writer for video games. So I definitely think about AI and the sort of ethics around it."[10:00] Seb: "AI is a really powerful tool to help with that. So again, I go back to the you're the air traffic controller as the marketer."Associated Links:Bloomreach11 LabsPrague Arts FestivalCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
20:5304/07/2024
Blurred Lines: The False Dichotomy of Physical vs. Digital Spaces
Recorded live at VISIONS Summit: NYC 2024, join Paul Canetti as he sits down with Reggie James and Ruby Thelot. We explore the concept of being "too online" and whether the dichotomy between digital and physical worlds is still relevant. Ruby and Reggie share their thoughts on the cultural shifts driven by our online presence, the importance of physical spaces, and the impact of digital status-seeking on our everyday lives. Listen now!From Avatars to AI Key takeaways:The line between digital and physical worlds is increasingly blurred. While there's a fascination with the physical realm, the digital world offers unparalleled opportunities for status and connection.The pursuit of online status can drive people to act differently in the physical world, often using public spaces as stages for digital content creation.As technology evolves, so do our cultural norms. The value of images and digital content is changing, prompting a re-evaluation of what we consider real or trustworthy.Looking ahead, there's potential for more personalized, artisanal digital experiences. This shift might move us away from mass-produced technology toward bespoke digital solutions.The future of software and digital experiences may lie in highly personalized, artisanal creations rather than scaled, mass-market solutions.[00:02:30] Reggie James: "We tend to hit these just accelerated, you know, Internet superhighway vibes mentally, and then you step outside and you realize, actually, the pace of this environment is significantly slower."[00:03:30] Ruby Thelot: "There is certainly this fascination that we now have for the physical realm. As soon as we're allowed to go online, suddenly we're like, oh, no, wait. It's gotta be analog or it's gotta be we wanna go back to the physical."[00:05:30] Reggie James: "Utilizing public space as a playground for digital status creates this weird, just using up of this previously shared social resource."[00:09:00] Ruby Thelot: "Once we are able to generate images that have the semblance of reality, the value socially of images erodes. We can think of it even in a judiciary context where we start to question the veracity of the images that are presented."[00:27:00] Paul Canetti: "It might be that when it's all said and done, there was this 50-ish year period of humanity where we spent a lot of effort creating these kinds of interfaces and these new ways to accomplish things. And then in the end, we'll come back to something that looks a lot like it did pre-computer.”Associated Links:Links & Resources:Ruby Thelot's new book on design and beauty theoryNathan Jurgenson's essay "The IRL Fetish"Eugene Wei's insights on online status optimizationMartin Guerre (movie) featuring Gérard DepardieuMaggie Appleton's discussions on home-cooked softwareWilliam Morris and the Arts and Crafts MovementCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
39:5802/07/2024
From Cart to Checkout: Enhancing the Outdoor Retail Experience
Welcome to a special episode of Future Commerce, recorded live from the Outdoor Retailer conference held at the beautiful Tracy Aviary. In this episode, Brian sits down with industry leaders to discuss the future of omnichannel retail in the outdoor industry. Discover insights into enhancing the customer journey, reducing checkout friction, and optimizing operations to create seamless, memorable experiences for both B2B and B2C markets.Key Takeaways[00:02:30] - Elcee Vargas: "The prevailing research right now is that 70% of carts are abandoned, which is an overwhelmingly large number."[00:07:00] - Jordan: "We do a ton of A/B testing to create the quickest checkout experience. Taking a 120-second checkout process down to 6 seconds makes a huge difference."[00:21:30] - Travis: "With payments being the lifeblood of your company, you can't disrupt the revenue coming in and where it's going."[00:36:00] - Ken: "The closer you are to the top of search results, the more opportunities you have to make sales. Shipping plays a huge part in this."[00:39:00] - Carl: "Making sure you've got something that feeds these different channels is crucial for scalability and success."Maintaining customer relationships during off-seasons helps keep the brand top-of-mind, ensuring readiness to purchase when the season returns.Ensuring that your technology stack is cohesive and scalable is essential for seamless operations across B2B and B2C channels.Automating processes and having real-time visibility into inventory and sales trends can help manage tax implications and optimize inventory management.Continual A/B testing and optimization of the customer experience, especially at checkout, can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction.Associated Links:Links & Resources:Learn more about Klaviyo, Stripe, Avalara, ShipStation, NetSuite, BigCommerceCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
48:5101/07/2024
Unlocking the Potential of Creator Networks
Feat. Nilla Ali, CEO of GAAN CreativeJoin us as we explore the impact of algorithms on content creation, the challenges of scaling media businesses, and the rise of creators as the new media moguls. Our special guest, Nilla Ali, formerly of BuzzFeed and CEO of GAAN Creative, shares her journey from leading BuzzFeed's commerce business to building a content network for premium creators. We discuss the future of media, the role of AI, and the importance of quality content in an ever-changing digital landscape. Listen now!It’s all a Volume GameKey takeaways:[07:35] "Commerce through content really evolved. Initially, it was just links in content." - Nilla Ali[17:00] "Creators are winning because the quality of their content is much higher than publishers." - Nilla Ali[27:30] "The benefit and pitfall of the Internet is everyone can see what's working, and they can replicate it easily." - Nilla Ali[36:30] "AI generated content will have a cliff where it stops being relevant." - Nilla AliAI has the potential to generate large volumes of content, but there's a risk of declining quality over time as AI-generated content relies on existing human-created content. For creators to sustain their businesses, they need diversified revenue models that include subscriptions, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing, rather than relying solely on social media platforms.As AI becomes more prevalent in content creation, there is a need for regulation to ensure quality and prevent the spread of low-quality content. This could help maintain the integrity of media and content industries.Associated Links:Learn more about GAAN Creative and Nilla AliCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
53:1228/06/2024
Climbing New Heights: The Future of Outdoor Retail
LIVE from Outdoor Retailer 2024In this episode, we explore the transformative trends shaping the outdoor retail industry LIVE from the Big Commerce Summer Camp during Outdoor Retailer. From the rise of resale markets, to the importance of real-time inventory data, we uncover how technology and cultural shifts are driving the future of outdoor retail.AI and Automation: A Double-Edged SwordKey takeaways:Walmart's strategy emphasizes creating a personalized, branded experience to engage Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, showcasing the importance of knowing your customer.Deck Commerce's focus on sustainable practices aligns with Gen Z's values, proving that eco-friendly initiatives can foster long-term customer loyalty.Feedonomics discusses the critical role of real-time inventory data in omnichannel retail, enabling instant commerce and enhancing the shopping experience.Walmart's restored program exemplifies how resale markets are gaining traction, driven by consumers' desire for sustainability and cost savings.The panel stresses the importance of modern, flexible technology stacks to meet the demands of the upcoming Gen Alpha shoppers, who expect seamless, immersive experiences.Bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping, brands must create emotionally engaging digital experiences that replicate the tactile feel of physical products.Me & the Bees Lemonade shows that having a strong, purposeful mission can create deep emotional connections and lasting customer loyalty.Associated Links:Links & Resources:Learn more about Walmart Marketplace, Deck Commerce, Feedonomics, Me & the Bees Lemonade, and BigCommerceCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
01:02:5425/06/2024
*Teaser* CRAIGSLIST SWITCHBLADE
London PayPal Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/london-paypal-meetup-group/events/301151281/Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusSave 15% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with Alani™ from BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!
06:5025/06/2024
Frictionless isn't Fictionless
Futurism in review: flying cars and frictionless commercePhillip and Brian chat about the futurism movement in art and how it relates to commerce, specifically, the idea of passatisme, which is an obsession with the past that signals everything backward would be supplanted by futurism. Generally, it sounds a lot like effective acceleration or the beginning of a movement where people are railing against a prevailing nostalgic posture that culture has of looking backwards, and they are aggressively trying to pull the culture into looking forward. It feels very much like a Future Commerce thing to talk about, so we did. Listen now! Believe in Pasta. Believe in the Future.Key takeaways:{00:11:46} - “One of the dangers of futurism is that it's let's throw everything good out, and replace it with whatever isn't that. Let's not look to the past to inform the future. Let's not enjoy things that we've had, and there's a dichotomy and also a distrust of things that people found to be good previously, and a belief that things can and will be better in the future no matter what, so we should just not even look to the past. I think that there's a lot of danger in this way of thinking about the future.” - Brian{00:19:47} - “What's really interesting here is that our modernist futurism is dystopic, But retrofuturism was optimistic. So we can be nostalgic for the past's vision of the future, which I think is its own interesting dichotomy.” - Phillip{00:31:31} - “The end game of eliminating friction is a specific kind of future that a specific set of people out there are looking for where certain activities are eliminated from intervention in any way or requirement for a human to be involved.” - Brian{00:43:58} - “If the future is gleaming cities with flying cars, I'm not entirely sure that that's the future that I'm looking for, which is a specific quality of life. It is a specific set of things that I hope for, and I think that there are ways to get there here and now that we could be investing in and taking big swings around that would make a meaningful difference for commerce and for the general populace.” - BrianAssociated Links:Brian’s 2020 Future Commerce Insiders article It’s Time to Build Things That LastInsiders #167: Heavenly Bodies: Worldbuilding through Brand Collaborations, by Angelica FreyCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
53:0614/06/2024
What is Futureproof For Gen Alpha?
Walmart is Experimenting in the Present to Create the FutureIn this episode Phillip and Brian discuss Walmart Realm and the plays that Walmart has been making towards a younger female media-savvy audience. There's so much there that is shopping content, it is ecommerce-centric, but it's entertainment, and it just gets the ecommerce crowd so riled up. Listen now and join the conversation!Absolutely Locked InKey takeaways:{00:29:03} - “It's for an in-store audience, and that's also really important. This is an opportunity to pre-sell. We talked to BK Beauty about the point of transaction and where it actually exists and it actually exists in people's minds first. So they may make a decision to buy something. They may or may not buy it online, but if they see it in this experience and they see the creative they like promoting this, they might make a decision that the next time they're in Walmart with their parents they will beg them to get it.” - Brian{00:41:01} - “This idea of putting everyday low price products right next to the other products that you might buy and spend a lot of money on is a thing that Walmart's been beating a drum on for a long time, and it didn't just start in these virtual shopping worlds.” - Phillip{00:52:57} - “There are signals of what is the future of commerce to Walmart. It's in any one of these things are the present of consumer that I think is directional for the ways that we'll buy in the future. And if anything, they're just fostering great relationships with content creators right now in various channels.” - PhillipAssociated Links:Learn more about Walmart RealmThe Senses article, Y’allternative: The Walmart Realm BreakdownCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
57:4407/06/2024
The Future of B2B Innovation
Recorded Live at B2B Online ChicagoPhilips has done a great job setting up a center of excellence for commerce, essential for larger conglomerates and companies with multiple divisions. Antonio Espinoza, Head of Digital Engagement and Strategy at Philips shares his insights in this interview with Brian at B2B Online Chicago. Listen now!Purchasing is Person to PersonKey takeaways:{00:15:17} - “The experience we were providing was not one that the average consumer today expects. Amazon is this gold standard. And so when we thought about the structure we had to have, the enablement we had to provide to our businesses and to the regions, we had to be thinking about things like that and really trying to understand customer first what had to evolve.” - Antonio{00:22:06} - “There is a difference on how these things are being deployed. Is it just being slapped on to a solution, or is there a meaningful use case? And B2B actually might be the place where you're going to see more benefits upfront of using AI before consumer starts to.” - Brian{00:22:55} - “No matter how you and your organization decide to leverage or not leverage it, being close to really understanding what it is, how it is being used, the upsides and the downsides or the places to kind of look out for is just so critically important.” - Antonio{00:28:17} - “Save humans for things that are better done by humans and let the systems handle things that are better handled by systems.” - Brian{00:29:36} - “Gone are the days where we should be interrogating and asking a 100 questions of what kind of experience do they want. We need to better leverage the data and the understanding that we have of them already to deliver these automated tailored experiences to allow them to get more of their time back to do the higher order things that they need to do.” - AntonioAssociated Links:Learn more about Antonio Espinoza and PhilipsStep by Step episode The Consumerization of B2B, Feat. Kirsten GreenCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
31:1431/05/2024
[DECODED] Frictionless Falsehoods
Funnels can change in the same way that ad creative is more personalized and targeted, and it's really hard to reproduce what ad creative looks like for you and for me because we are fundamentally different people. What if the funnel was also something that was truly dynamic and related more to who the person is or what the ad creative was that brought you there? That's what FERMÀT Commerce does. In this last episode of Season 3 of Decoded, Phillip sits with Rishabh Jain and Rabah Rahil from FERMÀT, live at South by Southwest, to discuss what the future of ecommerce can look like now that FERMÀT is a part of it. “People buy through content.”{00:11:59} - “A lot of times what we think about when we think about data associated with the person, we think about things that are immutable. But candidly, you and I have different expectations, and we want different things depending on the context that we're in. And so you're going to have to have the data on all of that context and actually meet the person in that context.” - Rishabh{00:19:57} - “We need the right friction in the right place so that people actually use their brains. When people don't use their brains, then all kinds of weird things happen, like chargebacks or nasty reviews. We have buyer's remorse. There are things that happen when it's too slippery. Need a little bit of friction. The right kind.” - Phillip{0025:08}} - “If you're really happy with your brand, where you are, what you're doing, don't play around in the main house. Go party again with these constellation sites and don't mess around with returning customer revenue, with your brand equity. Go explore in these other ways that are really value-generative, but really derisk the things that you want to because a redesign is almost always going to lower your conversion rate.” - Rabah{00:22:45} - “When you're in the middle, you have to be able to send value to everybody in the ecosystem. And that's how, as a company, you end up growing. And that's also sort of like I mean, it's a more fun way to build business also, just to be totally candid.” - RishabhAssociated Links:Learn more about FERMÀTHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in commerce.Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce
34:4829/05/2024
Creating Credible Content and Community-Building Collabs
Today on the pod, Emma Apple Chozick joins us and is an incredible guest who we've known for a couple of years now, and with whom we did a great collab, if you will, with her former employer Thingtesting. These days she is breaking down the world of cultural events and brand partnerships and also a little bit of the explainer content that's out there and providing consulting and the opportunity for collaborations that build partnerships and community that make sense for everyone involved.Trifecta of OpportunityKey takeaways:{00:15:54} - “There's a short term opportunity that we all have in business and in brand building where you can quickly and probably pretty effectively monetize some opportunity. But if you think long term, the question that really begins to make itself apparent is do we have a viable strategy? Over the long term, how do I grow a very trustworthy audience? How do I have a relationship with an audience if my entire relationship with them from the very get go is based on some commercial nature?” - Phillip{00:20:13} - “I think about partnerships as people to people, brands to people, and brands to investors. All of these different moments in which you're bringing in new people into the conversation and they can bring their community, you can bring your community, and let's make something big and exciting and thoughtful here.” - Emma{00:24:43} - “I do think that people still need to be thoughtful in the collaborations they're doing. And sometimes you look at a collab and you're like, okay, this feels a little bit of someone trying to reach for press, and that's not really how I look at collaborations. I think they genuinely need to make sense.” - Emma{00:39:36} - “You have to think about who you're getting in front of and why you want to get in front of those people because if that audience demographic is not going to resonate with you as a brand or your product or whatever the mishmash of the two products is, then it's not really worth anyone's time to invest in creating that partnership. I think the best partnerships happen when the audiences are aligned on something.” - EmmaAssociated Links:Learn more about Emma Apple Chozick and gr8 collab. Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
46:5824/05/2024
*Teaser* Microplastics in my WHAT?
Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusSave 15% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!
04:4523/05/2024
[DECODED] Wisdom and Witticisms
In the world of marketing, much like gambling, we take calculated risks. We strategize, we forecast, and we adjust. Today on Decoded, we'll look beyond numbers and wagers through Blaise Pascal, whose thoughts, often poetic and deeply personal, remind us that at the core of all of our strategies lies a human touch. “Good ideas don’t matter. Good people do.”{00:07:11} - “A lot of magic happens when you allow yourself to be bored. I actually think that's when really interesting things come about.” - Rabah{00:11:05} - “When people ask me how much I should post on social media, that's not the right question. The question is, how many times can I post while generating value?” - Rabah{00:18:02}} - “In investing, you actually would rather be right once or twice really heavy. Whereas in marketing, it's the opposite. I want to figure out where I'm right and use it almost more of as experimentation to palpitate the elephant. And then when I do find a really awesome well to dig, then I'm going to put more rigs on that land and then keep doing that.” - Rabah{00:22:45} - “Having intersectional knowledge gets really, really interesting. That's when you can really find some big unlocks.” - RabahAssociated Links:Learn more about Rabah Rahil and FERMÀTHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in commerce.Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce
42:2521/05/2024
Building Culturally Intelligent Brands
Phillip and Brian sit down and have an enlightening conversation with the author of Cultural Intelligence for Marketers: Building an Inclusive Marketing Strategy, Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel. This book is the “How It's Made” for building culture-shaping brands, providing more understanding of how boardrooms, researchers, and foresight professionals think about their work. Listen now and join the conversation!Not a burden of some, but a responsibility of allKey takeaways:{00:07:39} - “When we think about resonance, naturally, I think we ought to ask, "Well, how do we actually shift our attention on the customer, understand their experience in regards to issues of equity, or just generally their unique lived experience within the category in relation to the product?" And start there rather than start with the question of how to make the brand appear more inclusive or more culturally fluent.” - Anastasia{00:18:22} - “It all starts with research. If we cannot understand the cultural landscape fully and comprehensively and the role that the brand plays at the intersection of category and culture, then it becomes challenging to actually execute strategy that is attuned to those realities and to execute effectively.” - Anastasia{00:27:10} - “When we think about what is driving consumers at a deeper emotional level, I think we can often move away from some of those biased perceptions of what people care about based on how they look or what they read like on paper.” - Anastasia{00:34:58} - “The way that I propose to think about culture is really it invites us to think about culture as a set of practices, a set of values, as a set of beliefs that are guiding us to determine what is normal, what is common sense, what is acceptable, what is desired, what is valued in a culture.” - Anastasia{00:42:03} - “I have a more positive outlook on the intersection of commerce and culture because it seems that they're kind of inseparable, and people speak in public and exchange ideas in the same spaces where they shop and pick up products and discover brands.” - AnastasiaAssociated Links:Learn more about Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel and Cultural Intelligence for MarketersCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
01:12:5117/05/2024
[DECODED] Polymaths and Philosophers
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was much more than Isaac Newton's rival. He was a polymath who dabbled in everything from music to metaphysics and embodied the spirit of true deep generalism. Modern marketers can connect the dots, even if you didn't know they exist, by studying continual change: from calculus or clicks."Absorb what's useful, reject what's useless."{00:10:04} - “A lot of people think that there are these tried and true tactics for this and that and the other thing. And there's just so much nuance to our businesses, and then there's so much nuance to the scale that you're at. There's so much nuance to the context of the company.” - Rabah{00:19:38} - “Every part of a digital experience, perhaps your website, every product recommendation, every marketing message, could be tailored in the future to reflect the unique needs and desires and the context of the individual consumer. What Leibniz teaches us through monadology is about our interconnectedness: to a brand, to a purchase, to a product, and each other.” - Phillip{00:34:27} - “The way I define or bifurcate marketing from sales is marketing is selling one to many. Sales is selling one-to-one. And now you're seeing a blurring of the lines with technology. Now I can market almost one to one, not in the actual literal sense, but in that persona, jobs to be done, where that person is on their customer journey, and what I know about them.” - RabahAssociated Links:Learn more about Rabah Rahil and FERMÀTHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in commerce.Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce
41:0114/05/2024
Are we Post-“Point-Solution” in eCom?
Ro Trivedi joins the show to discuss founding Pietra, a modern infrastructure platform that helps entrepreneurs start and operate eCommerce businesses more profitably. Listen now!Nobody Wants to Tinker on a CommodityKey takeaways:The ability to build billion-dollar businesses with small teams is within reach, thanks to technological advancements and the reallocation of resources toward high-value activities.The future of commerce lies in quickly bringing concepts to market, allowing businesses to design and manufacture products in a matter of weeks.The integration of AI-driven marketplaces will revolutionize the process of finding the best suppliers and factories, simplifying negotiations and streamlining production.The future will see businesses effortlessly selling on multiple sales channels, seamlessly connecting websites, social media platforms, and marketplaces for global reach.Efficiency and automation will become paramount for eCommerce businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on differentiation and storytelling rather than spending unnecessary time on operations.{00:36:28} “So I think the future looks a lot like [integrated services]. Pull in data from the market, figure out the trends, and start designing great products very quickly.” - Ro{00:24:06} “Everyone's just running a business at the base level. And then very quickly, a creator who might have a really awesome handle on content marketing meets a counterpart who's excellent at paid ads. And when you zoom out over a 12-month period, guess what? They are the same business” - RoAssociated Links:Book a call directly with Ro Trivedi from Pietra to learn more!Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
47:1810/05/2024
[STEP BY STEP] Data-Centric Decisions for Culturally-Relevant Brands
In this final episode of Step by Step Season 13, we sit down with Andy Judd and Liz Mayer to unpack the transformative power of data in shaping omnichannel strategies. This episode emphasizes the necessity of staying culturally relevant and adaptable to thrive in the ever-evolving eCommerce arena. Listen now!In this episode:{00:20:00} “I use the term ‘1000 points of light’ with my team because that's ultimately what you're trying to do: you're trying to take all of these pieces and say, okay, What does that show me? And what does that tell me?” - Andy{00:35:48} “You can change the plan. You can change the actions, but don't change the vision. Don't change the goal.” - Liz{00:25:34} “I think it's about finding those crosshatches of how I bring content to bear behind a really powerful cultural moment? And then underneath that is selling this, you know, anthemic story around the future of soda.” - AndyKey Takeaways: To create a successful omnichannel strategy, brands should focus on aligning their growth ambitions with their sales and marketing strategies.When considering different marketing channels, brands must have a clear understanding of their objectives and measurable goals.The balance between technical expertise and creativity is crucial for executing a successful omnichannel marketing strategy.Brands should prioritize cultural relevance and fluidity in their marketing efforts to connect with consumers meaningfully.Empowering employees and trusting them to make data-driven decisions is key for adapting to changing consumer behaviors and cultural moments.Associated Links:Learn more about Liz Mayer and The Partnering GroupLearn more about Andy Judd and PoppiListen to more Step by Step episodes.Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce world!Listen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
52:4808/05/2024
[STEP BY STEP] Exploring Channel Diversification for DTC Brands: How to Expand and Not Explode
Hear about Curology’s evolution from acne solutions to anti-aging and hair loss products and its retail ventures, featuring critical insights for DTC brands aiming to elevate their brands. Listen now!Category Expansion and Channel DiversityHear about Curology’s evolution from acne solutions to anti-aging and hair loss products and its retail ventures, featuring critical insights for DTC brands aiming to elevate their brands. Listen now!{00:20:39} “It's all about buyers. If you don't have people coming in the door, then nothing else matters. “ - Steve{00:21:41} “If you love a brand or if you love a a service provider, you should be rooting for them to be making money because them staying in business is the, key to your happiness.” - Phillip{00:32:34} “What I would say for DTC companies that are earlier in that journey is do what you're doing, you know, really, really well, but then start to have those conversations around diversifying channels both in terms of how and where you sell, but also how you reach consumers. You will you will not go wrong.” - SteveKey TakeawaysCurology has leveraged its knowledge in acne treatment to expand into other areas like anti-aging and hair loss.Curology focuses on diversifying channels and products to reach more customers and build its brand.Keen Decision Systems has helped Curology make more precise marketing decisions and diversify its investments.Associated Links:Learn more about Steve Siegal and CurologyListen to more Step by Step episodes.Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!Listen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
35:0407/05/2024
[STEP BY STEP] Maintaining the Cool Factor: Scaling Your DTC Brand in Traditional Channels
How does a DTC brand “grow up?” In our 13th season of Step by Step, we’re partnering with Keen Decisions Systems to answer that question as we explore how DTC brands evolve beyond their digital origins into mature omnichannel retailers. In this episode, we tap into industry expert, Greg Dolan, CEO of Keen Decision System’s insights and dive deep into topics like measuring ROI, optimizing spend across channels, retaining a brand’s “cool” factor and brand voice, and making data-driven decisions to achieve sustainable growth.Whether you operate a small DTC brand or are transitioning between channels as an enterprise brand, this season of Step by Step will help you grow your brand and build foundations for long-term success.In this episode:{00:00:56} “DTC isn't dead. It's actually just growing up. It's evolving.” - Brian{00:22:00} “Being able to understand whether stagnation is a marketing problem or an external factor problem or an external environment factor is really important.” - Greg{00:32:14} “What are you guys trying to achieve? What is your current budget? What are you currently doing? And what do you want to do differently? And then that decision frame becomes the basis for how we move forward with that relationship and guide the brand to the growth that they're expecting.” - GregKey Takeaways: Brands should focus on growing sustainably and right-sizing investments in legacy channels to free up funds for new channels.Balancing top and bottom-of-the-funnel tactics is crucial to building brand equity, sustaining growth, and maximizing profit potential.Successful brands understand the changing marketplace, make data-driven decisions, maintain a balance between traditional and modern channels, and align organizational structures for efficient marketing efforts.Associated Links:Learn more about Greg Dolan and Keen Decision SystemsListen to more Step by Step episodes.Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world! Listen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
35:2206/05/2024
[DECODED] Conjectures and Commerce
Is the “path of least resistance” a universally true experience? Do all customers experience resistance the same way? In this episode, Rishabh Jain and Rabah Rahil from Fermát explore this idea through the legacy of polymathic thinker Pierre de Fermat, who pioneered the principle of least time in the 1660s.Forging ‘desire paths’{00:20:48} “In the nondeterministic consumer world, you have millions and millions and millions of opportunities to screw up a test with a customer because they don't behave in a controlled way.” - Phillip{00:25:55} “I think, you know, there's a saying where it's like the future's already here. It's just unevenly distributed. This already happens. And the place this happens is in B2B.” - Rishabh{00:47:06} “The website is turning into the business card...I think zero-click commerce is going to be the path.” - RabahKey TakeawaysWhile the “path of least resistance” is a maxim in conversion rate optimization, optimization is highly personal to the customer and their motives. The nature of CRO will evolve with more 1-1 personalized and ephemeral experiences.The ‘website’ as a monolith is a construct of search engine optimization. In the coming future, the rise of constellation sites allows for personalized customer experiences.Brand roles and channels will need to adapt as privacy changes shape the future of web commerce. Zero-click commerce could bea future of online shopping. The website model is evolving, and multiple user experiences and types of interfaces will become a norm.Associated Links:Learn more about Rishabh Jain and FERMÀTCheck out Trekonomics by Manu SaadiaHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
52:0003/05/2024
Pickleball and the Enthusiast Economy
The enthusiast economy drives purchasing trends in all areas of the economy—especially in sports, driving consumers to desire the same equipment as the best players. Premium pickleball apparel brand PB5Star is futureproofing by building a sustainable business model and systems during accelerating growth. Listen now!PB5star and the Pickleball PhenomenonKey takeaways:- The enthusiast economy drives purchasing trends in sports, making consumers want the same equipment as the best players.- Pickleball's rapid growth offers opportunities for brands to cater to players and enthusiasts beyond the sport itself.- Building a brand requires patience, focus on core values, and understanding customers' needs and wants.- PB5star aims to bring fashion, performance, and a cool vibe to pickleball while supporting players and contributing to the sport's growth.- The sport's accessibility, community elements, and connection to wellness contribute to its rising popularity. - PB5star is looking to expand into wholesale distribution channels, partnering with retailers to reach a wider audience while maintaining its direct-to-consumer presence. The brand founders emphasize patience, staying focused on core values, and being prepared to pivot as necessary to navigate the challenges of building a brand in an emerging industry.- Shaping the future of pickleball will require investing in and supporting players who can help enhance the sport's growth.[00:03:36] "When you have the nerds of the sport sort of driving the outcome, a lot of the population will end up following a lot of that as they want to have the pieces of equipment that the best players are going to use and the best people in their community are going to use." — BrianExcerpt 2: [00:27:09] "If you work with good people who have good common sense, they have a great personality and good values at heart. They're the sorts of people we want to work with, and they're the sorts of businesses we want to work with as well." - Chris Gallagher, Founder of PB5starAssociated Links:Check out PB5Star and use code “SUPERSTARS” at checkoutCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
45:5726/04/2024
*Teaser* IMMUNE TO ADS
Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusSave 15% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!
06:0224/04/2024
Blink to Pay
Spatial commerce is all the rage thanks to the Apple Vision Pro… but are brands using it correctly? Phillip and Brian chat with a friend of the pod, Rob Petrosino, on the future of (spatial) commerce and digital twinning. Listen now! Your home is the store of the futureKey takeaways:- Spatial computing is nascent, with current devices being bulky and heavy. The form factor is a challenge for consumer adoption but has more immediate applications in specific industries like design and repair.- The adoption of head-mounted displays for B2B use cases is likely to outpace consumer adoption due to cost considerations.- Digital twinning is a crucial aspect of spatial computing, allowing for accurate 3D representations of physical products and spaces. This technology has potential in various industries like fashion, interior design, and personalized shopping experiences.- AI plays a significant role in optimizing spatial experiences by offering predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, and conversational commerce. It accelerates the adoption curve by analyzing vast amounts of data to enhance user experiences.- The future of commerce lies in combining physical spaces with digital experiences to create immersive shopping environments. Brands should focus on telling engaging stories through spatial design that involves narrative elements.- The implementation of pay-with-biometrics technology in physical stores is a precursor to what might be possible in spatial commerce.- In terms of current apps on Apple Vision Pro, there is room for improvement in providing novel experiences that are seamlessly integrated with fully-fledged ecommerce capabilities.{00:10:22} - “If you look at calculators, you had a massive computer that was the size of a room for a calculator. You had, you know, the evolution of the TI83, and now you have a calculator on your phone. You're going to see the same progression. We're at the biggest and worst the devices will ever be. It'll only get smaller, better, faster, which will increase adoption.” - Rob{00:17:21} - “Having that digital twin is really a massive form factor for these experiences because having a 360 degree experience around something is really where we are going when it comes to any experience, but specifically the commerce space.” - Rob{00:24:08} - “How do I combine {the physical and the digital} into a live experience using a magic mirror or a head mounted display or a personal device that kind of enhances that experience? So that's where I see the evolutionary path. And I think all of those are possible, and that's the leading indicator is you're starting to see organizations bring physical spaces into digital experiences.{00:29:49} - “The amount of data that we throw off in our digital footprints is exceptionally high. When you start plugging in artificial intelligence to that, it now gives a massive pool of data.” - Rob{00:43:55} - “It seems like the people that went to go build the first experiences maybe weren't perfectly aligned with the purchaser of the Apple Vision Pro. I feel like there's a huge opportunity. The Apple Vision Pro is one of the greatest signifiers of a type of buyer that has existed in the past 10 years.” - Brian{00:47:21} - “There might be a skew here that we just haven't picked up on yet where there might be an opportunity to reach a more affluent female crowd that we just haven't tapped into yet because we tend to think of tech adopters and early adopters as being older affluent males. So there's maybe also a little bias in the way that we think about how these things are being built.” - PhillipAssociated Links:Check us out on YouTubeLearn more about Rob Petrosino and PeakActivityCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
49:3119/04/2024
[DECODED] Potential and Prodigy
Each season on Decoded, we demystify a nebulous concept in commerce. In this season of Decoded, presented by FERMÀT, Phillip sits down with Rabah Rahil, the CMO at FERMÀT, to examine the legacy of these prolific thinkers, inventors, and polymaths, philosophers, and mathematicians whose work inspired Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates. One of these inspirations from the past is the mathemetician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Listen now!The best time to be excellent, and the worst time to be average.{00:08:07} - “The first lesson we could learn {from Srinivasa Ramanujan} is becoming your own self-advocate, especially in your career, and understanding that maybe you have a talent and an intuition that can be useful for others.” - Phillip{00:10:12} - “Outside of an Ivy or if you want to go study under a professor, I think academia isn't a lot of times the path for you because I think a lot of times when you have these innate geniuses, if you would have taken them through an academic establishment, the creativity would have been beaten out of them. Because when you think of academics, it's very conformist.” - Rabah{00:13:50} - “I would rather hire people that have had a bunch of failures and pick themselves back up versus people that have never failed. Because I found those people that have never failed are candidly just quite soft.” - Rabah{00:17:05} - “Some truths look like universal laws in one context. But if you zoom out to a bigger context, the law doesn't hold true anymore. The law is broken from a different point of view.” - Phillip{00:24:38} - “When you lack conviction, you can be convinced that your intuition is wrong.” - Phillip{00:29:55} - “The cheat code of mathematics is it's cold and sterile, and there's usually a right answer. What we deal with is humans. Humans are insanely jagged. They flip from logic to emotion to logic to emotion, and there's going to be way more nuance in like, that's why marketing degree is an arts.” - RabahAssociated Links:Learn more about Rabah Rahil and FERMÀTAncient Aliens episode about Srinivasa RamanujanHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
36:2017/04/2024